I am getting dual pane replacement windows and my home currently has storm windows. I am wondering if there are any advantages to keeping the storm windows along with the energy efficient windows. It makes sense in my head that putting another layer of air between the cold air and the warmth of my home would make the new windows more efficient.

Any thoughts????

 

Adding that extra layer of air will fog the outside pane of glass. The thermopane windows are designed to do the job without the storms if installed properly and insulated along the edges, so enjoy them without the storms, which aren't very pretty to begin with.

 

And most replacement windows will not fit in place with the storms still there.

 

Hey logdoc
I had many customers who had this same question, esp on some of the older homes with upwards of 20 windows. They had a pretty large investment in the storms and hated to just toss em.
My responses:

Same as what chandler said..and

If you live in a hot summer climate, the storms can actually cause damage by trapping heat btwn it and the repl windows (assuming vinyl frames)

You'll have twice as many surfaces to clean

The extra insulation may be a few percentage points at best

Extra maintenance

You'll have to remove the storms anyway, during the install of the repl windows. For placing the windows, if an exterior (most PRO's) install. Or for caulking, if an interior (Most DIY's) install.

That said, if you do decide to keep them, our vendors always recommended slightly opening the storm sash, to allow ventilation against the repl sash, which sorta defeats the purpose of the storms.

If you decide to remove them, do so carefully, and search for a Habitat for Humanity or other charity that you can donate them to. Its tax deductible!!

 

Is there a limit to the outside temperature when installing
replacement windows ? Caulking is usually above 50 degrees,